Aiming to establish Manali as a leading center for sustainable tourism, a stakeholder sensitization workshop was held with the support of ICLEI South Asia, the Directorate of Transport, Shimla, and the Himachal Pradesh Tourism Department on 12 November 2024. The workshop focused on developing electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in hotels to promote eco-friendly travel, reduce emissions, and provide sustainable transport options for tourists, positioning Manali as a model destination for green tourism.

The session included discussions on the Himachal Pradesh EV Policy and the state’s ongoing initiatives to support EV infrastructure and promote clean energy solutions. Nidhi Sakhlani, Naib Tehsildar and Executive Magistrate, emphasized the regulatory policies under the state’s EV policy for adopting EVs and establishing charging stations. Following her address, Vijay Saini, Varsha Parmar, and Arun Thakur from ICLEI South Asia discussed the economic, environmental, and competitive advantages of EV infrastructure for the local tourism sector.

Various operational and implementation models were discussed to overcome financial challenges. These included different partnership structures, collaboration between the public and private sectors, and financial incentives to facilitate the development of the EV charging network and assist hotel owners in making investments.

Charging point operators shared practical insights on the establishment and management of charging stations, covering the technical, operational, and policy aspects of implementing EV infrastructure.

Vice-President Mr. Roshan Thakur of Manali Hoteliers Association & Hotel owners responded positively to the initiative and expressed their readiness to promote e-mobility in Manali. They recognized that adopting EV infrastructure would enhance Manali’s environmental reputation among tourists, making it an attractive and sustainable destination.

Elram, representatives from the District Tourism Department, also participated in the workshop and pledged their full support for the initiative. All participants acknowledged the importance of involving various stakeholders and identifying local champions to effectively implement and promote e-mobility in Manali.